The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced the second round of grants from the Regional Agricultural Promotional Program to invest in diversifying and strengthening US agricultural export markets
December 19, 2024Arlington, VA – December 19, 2024 – Today the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the second round of grants under the Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP). The U.S. Agricultural Export Development Council (USAEDC) is thrilled to see the allocation of $300 million in grants to Cooperator organizations. This new round brings the total funds allocated in 2024 to $600 million for these programs.
RAPP was launched in 2023 with funds from the Commodity Credit Corporation with a combined $1.2 billion available. It is intended to support US farmers and producers in growing export markets around the world, to meet rising consumer demand and purchasing power in emerging markets in Africa, South and Southeast Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and others.
The program builds on the success of the 2018 Agricultural Trade Promotion Program (ATP). ATP also aimed to diversify export partners and reduce the risks of overreliance on established markets, which collectively account for nearly 50 percent of current export sales.
Greg Tyler, USAEDC Chair and President and CEO of the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council (USAPEEC), said, “we are delighted to welcome the second round of RAPP funding. These new grants will help pave the way for progress in food security, sustainability, innovation, and economic growth around the world through American agriculture.” He noted that “this program builds on the growth of the last few years, which saw record high exports for US agriculture. It will help first-class US products reach new consumers and increase competitiveness globally. It’s a great holiday present to our hardworking American farmers.”
USAEDC’s new Executive Director, Steve Sothmann, expressed enthusiastic support for the new funding, saying “we are extremely grateful to USDA and Congressional leaders for their steadfast support of U.S. agricultural exporters. This essential funding recognizes the sustained investment it takes to overcome trade barriers and develop new markets,” he said. “Diversifying into growing markets will help buttress the U.S. agricultural sector in the face of global shocks and ongoing conflicts and will boost its competitiveness in the midst of a changing global landscape.”